Electric Cars

New reports out of the US say Hyundai and Kia may be forced to significantly reduce their EV footprint as volatile trade winds bite.According to industry source Automotive News, the upcoming and heavily updated Ioniq 6 will be forced to be offered in just one variant, the Ioniq 6 N, as opposed to an expanded line-up.Conversely, Kia has been forced to indefinitely shelve its performance-oriented EV6 GT and EV9 GT, at least for the US market.This is because the Korean-built models will fail to be competitive enough in light of the US administration’s continued tariffs, which would add significant costs to the models once delivered in the USA. Models built locally, like the rest of the EV6 and EV9 range would not be affected.When contacted for potential impacts for Australian production, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide its plan to launch the Ioniq 6 N would proceed as planned toward the end of April this year, and while the brand was considering further additions to the line-up, it was too early to say whether these plans would be impacted by tariff movements at HQ.Meanwhile, a Kia Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide that as it stands right now supply of the EV6 GT and EV9 GT would continue for the Australian market, and would remain unaffected by tariffs overseas.Locally, the range-topping Kia EV9 GT costs $129,250 before on-road costs, while the EV6 GT starts from $99,660 before on-road costs.Interestingly both brands also said at this stage they would not be affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as vehicles sourced by each brand did not pass through the region for the Australian market.It seems a case of right-hand drive production insulating both automakers from wider impacts to the left-hand drive market, which is largely determined by demand coming out of either the USA or China.However, many other automakers will continue to pull back on EV plans due to the removal of subsidies in the US, and rising demand for hybrids the world over.Volkswagen for example is pivoting to range-extender hybrids in China and the US, where the tech will underpin its just-launched ID.9X large SUV, and its new range of big ladder frame 4x4s from rebooted Scout Motors.Meanwhile a range of Chinese brands, like MG’s IM luxury arm, Leapmotor, Geely, and Deepal are all rolling out range-extended hybrid powertrains across their range.Hyundai Group itself will invest in the tech, with executives frequently hinting the brand will pivot to a range-extender set-up for the highly anticipated Hyundai Ute, as a significant point of difference from its Kia Tasman cousin.While it is yet to be confirmed, it seems to be a logical next step for the brand, as many brands are betting on hybrid technology for the future of larger models in big left-hand drive markets like the US and China.Despite headwinds, Hyundai is also one of the few automakers standing by its hydrogen plans. Many are shying away from the potential diesel-replacing technology due to its massive upfront technology costs in a challenging financial environment.Stay tuned on more of both Hyundai and Kia’s plans in 2026 as they defend their hard-fought sales position in Australia from the meteoric growth of Chinese rivals like BYD, Chery, and GWM.

BYD has revealed its new "Blade" battery capable of charging its electric vehicles in rapid time, according to reports.It is the second generation of the signature Blade battery, which is found on all of BYD’s electrified vehicles.Targeted charge times range from 10-70 per cent in five minutes, with a charge from 10-97 per cent taking just nine minutes.For reference, the BYD Sealion 7 currently on sale in Australia charges from 10-80 per cent in 38 minutes, so BYD’s latest battery offers a marked improvement.The battery has also been given some other boosts, including a five per cent higher energy density.One of the models it will debut on is the Denza Z9 GT, which is an all-electric wagon earmarked for Australia within the next year. It features a 122kWh unit offering a driving range of more than 1000km according to the more lenient CLTC measuring process.The Denza Z9 GT will take a little more than 5 minutes to charge from 10-70 per cent on a charger capable of the required output, while a 10-97 per cent charge will take roughly nine minutes.The brand said its new battery can also operate effectively in extreme temperatures, with 20-97 per cent charges at -20-degrees and -30-degrees both taking 12 minutes.The boosted charging times on these new batteries are in tandem with BYD’s recently-unveiled T-shaped megawatt-level charger. It is capable of adding around 400km of driving range in five minutes or a charging speed of two kilometres every second.It is claimed this new charging system is the first mass-produced liquid-cooled megawatt terminal for passenger vehicles. It has an overall bigger design, with dual-plug charging ability, which is enabled by the use of a buffer battery to operate without megawatt grid support.Even without the use of these super fast chargers, BYD claimed its new Blade battery charges 30-50 per cent faster than conventional EV batteries.BYD is targeting 20,000 of these new ‘Flash’ charging stations by the end of 2026, giving the brand a greater charging infrastructure landscape compared to rivals such as Tesla.Locally the boss of its Denza luxury arm has earmarked the possibility of BYD entering the charging hardware game, specifically to deploy the tech-leading megawatt-level chargers.Stay tuned for more on BYD's ambitious plans in 2026 as it plots a top-three finish for the year. The brand has already leapfrogged GWM in the first two months of the year to become Australia's current favourite Chinese brand.

Tesla and full self-driving are synonymous with each other - even if not always for the right reasons. But China’s IM Motors (which is sold locally by MG) is hoping to squeeze its own name into the conversation as it plots to bring its own autonomous technology to Australia in the near-future.Speaking to CarsGuide, Steven Xu, IM Motors Region General Manager for Asia Pacific, said full self-driving is a key element of its Digital Chassis platform which helps to underpin the car's safety systems.Currently, the brand is undertaking a real-world test in China, where a fleet of its cars are evaluating Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous technology on both highway and surface streets, which is a first for a Chinese trial.“Right now the Chinese government is supporting our company to do some tests,” Xu explained “So right now in China, we support the L2, L3 and L4 autonomous driving, and we run a robotaxi fleet team in the Shanghai Pudong airport.“But when we go to the global market, that’s up to the regulation. For the next coming car, the new model, right now that is secret. We will let the car keep the ability to upgrade the autonomous driving system. But first the need to meet the European and Australian regulations.”Xu explained that the Australian Government hasn’t allowed IM to bring its Level 3 autonomous driving technology, which includes LiDAR as well as cameras and sensors, to local roads due to restrictions. However, help appears to have come from an unlikely source.“ I think the government first opened the door to Tesla, so we can follow,” Xu explained. “ Before the Tesla, we had no channel to talk to the government about whether we can use L2 plus. That's the reason , it's not legal or not legal. We thank Tesla for first coming with the technology so we can follow.”While Tesla relies only on cameras and sensors, Xu said IM Motors wants to introduce the next evolution of full self-driving technology in Australia. This means including LiDAR in addition to the cameras and sensors to ensure greater safety. “The LiDAR is the double protection for the customer in the foggy weather, on the rainy day, it's maybe stronger than a pure visual . We want to keep safety first, 100 per cent,” Xu said. “We want the system more reliable and a hundred percent safe. That's why we chose the combination, even though we got the pure vision strategy.” Xu wasn’t able to reveal when IM Motors’ new autonomous functionality would be in Australia, but given the need to add the LiDAR hardware it would likely come with the next-generation of models bound for local showrooms.Seemingly a likely next addition for the brand is its range of luxury large SUVs in the form of the LS8 or LS9, which both can be equipped with LiDAR technology, and also are equipped with range-extender hybrid systems, unlike the rest of the brand's EV-focused range.He also conceded there is also still work to be done on the legislative side to ensure that the iM Motors system complies with Australian laws and regulations which remains a work-in-progress for both governments and car makers.

A new and reimagined Polestar 2 will launch next year, and it will place a target on the back of the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.It will form part of a split strategy for entry-level Polestar models, with the Polestar 7 small SUV – due in 2028 – acting as the SUV entry point to the brand, while Polestar 2 will be its most accessible passenger vehicle.It gives the brand a two-pronged attack on the affordable end of the EV market, and the 2 will lead that charge next year, with Polestar Australia chief Scott Maynard assuring the model will deliver a "notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives" but will still "provide a great entry to the Polestar brand", at least until the Polestar 7 arrives."Polestar 2 will still provide a great entry to the Polestar brand for a period of time until we see some of the future products which might provide us with a different platform for entry, but we just need to wait and see. For the time being that will remain as our entry point to the brand," he says."That will see a notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives as well. It's not going to be a sports car in the same light as the Polestar 5, but it will be a notch above the current car which is already really an accomplished, dynamic car.Mr Maynard also confirmed reports the model won't make the shift into an SUV body style, insisting it will remain a "dynamic looking car"."The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on."The Polestar 2 is expected to break cover late this year ahead of an on-sale date sometime in 2027."We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does," Mr Maynard says. "So we'll be online when Europe is, it just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027."

Polestar has lowered the price of some grades of its updated Polestar 3 in Australia. The refreshed electric SUV starts from $116,700, before on-road costs, for the base single motor, which is more than $1700 cheaper than the previous model. The long-range variant is $1600 cheaper than last year’s pricing, while the top-grade Performance has increased nearly $2300, starting from $146,700 (before on-road costs).The Polestar 3 is a rival for the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE, which both have starting prices north of the $130K price bracket. The main change for the Polestar 3 is the addition of 800-volt architecture, which has improved charging times by more than 25 per cent, according to the brand. Neither the BMW or the Mercedes-Benz are built on an 800-volt platform, both have 400-volt architecture instead, meaning the Polestar offers faster charging times than its rivals. All variants can charge at more than 300kW, facilitating a 10-80 per cent charge time of 22 minutes across the range. The Polestar may charge faster, but driving range remains competitive between the trio. The 111kWh battery on the previous model is no longer available on the Polestar 3, due to compatibility with the new 800-volt platform.The base rear motor variant now comes with a 92kWh battery, which has a driving range of 604km, down from more than 700km. Dual-motor variants get a 106kWh battery. The cheaper dual motor has about the same driving range as before, while the Performance grade has seen its range increase to nearly 600km. The Performance grade also gets a power boost and now produces 500kW and 870Nm, with 0-100km/h taking 3.9 seconds. This is in part due to a newly-developed rear-mounted motor on all variants. As part of the changes for this year’s models, the car is fitted with a premium 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and head-up display, among other features as standard. Otherwise, the cabin is much the same as the previous model but new zippy computer processing, provides a boost to tasks and safety performance.This upgrade will be available to existing Polestar 3 owners as part of a complimentary hardware retrofit. 2026 Polestar 3 pricing Australia2026 Polestar 3 electric motor and efficiency 2026 Polestar 3 standard featuresOther standard features includeHead-up displayFoldable boot floorAcoustic rear windowPower-operated steering columnSoft-close doorsUpgradeable features: 2026 Polestar 3 safetyThe Polestar 3 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features360-degree cameraCurve speed assistLane change assistPark assistAdaptive cruise controlLane keep assist2026 Polestar 3 warranty and servicing The Polestar 3 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty for the battery. 

China is now the biggest country of origin for new-car sales in Australia, leapfrogging Japan in what is a seismic shift in the Australian automotive industry.

New data collated from across the world illustrates just how quickly BYD has become the world leader in new electric car sales.Nikkei Asia has used data between 2020 and 2025 to highlight countries that have gone from EV markets dominated by Tesla to those BYD has the better grasp on.The data from S&P Global Mobility shows only a handful of nations where BYD was the bigger new EV brand of the two in 2020, including parts of South America, West Asia (mainly Egypt and Saudi Arabia) and of course China.But by 2025, BYD was the dominant force compared to Tesla, with much of the ‘Western’ world including Australia embracing BYD more than Tesla.The USA (Tesla’s home market), Canada, and parts of Europe are the biggest Tesla holdouts.The report comes as BYD’s global sales slow overall, with factors at play including the Chinese government reacting to BYD’s alleged ‘sales pricing war’ where cars are sold below cost to boost numbers.Geely has become China’s biggest car brand, overtaking BYD, with total sales including its subsidiary brands like Zeekr too.But BYD’s ability to overtake Tesla is also helped by Tesla’s decline due to its limited model line-up and the company’s increasingly controversial CEO making ownership of a Tesla seem like acceptance of a political stance.The path BYD has taken to maintain success is has been decidedly risky, but much of it has paid off due to the brand’s ability to work quickly.BYD’s founder and Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, said in 2021 that rapid development will be the biggest ingredient in challenging the slower legacy brands."Toyota Motor and Volkswagen are a little slow in electrifying their vehicles, but once they make a leap, the impact will be huge," he said at the time. "BYD absolutely has to be faster."In Australia, BYD has sold 10,324 new vehicles so far in 2026, while Tesla lags behind with 3775 in the year so far. Both brands have increased over the same January-February period last year, Tesla being up 61.9 per cent and BYD up a whopping 161.0 per cent.

Volvo has announced a series of updates for its small EV, the EX30, with new variants and tech coming.

Cadillac has released two new luxury all-electric SUV models in Australia, which are the mid-size Optiq and the large three-row Vistiq. The Optiq will start from $80,000, before on-road costs, while the Vistiq will start from $116,000, before on-road costs. This means it is substantially cheaper than the sportier Porsche Macan as well as the luxury-oriented Genesis GV60. Meanwhile, at $116,000 the Vistiq sizes up as a rival to other big luxury electric SUVs, such as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90. The Vistiq is around $10,000 more than the all-wheel drive EV9, while the EX90 starts from over $120,000. As part of the announcement, the Lyriq coupe EV already on sale in Australia will be available with a drive-away offer of $95,000. This equates to a substantial discount on the $122,000 base asking price, before on-road costs. Both cars get dual electric motors, with the Optiq’s producing 224kW and 448Nm, while the Vistiq boasts 459kW and 880Nm. Shifting from 0-100km/h takes just 4.2 seconds for the Vistiq. They also both have driving ranges of more than 400km, which is in the ballpark of other key rivals.Both models are all-wheel drive only. On a DC fast charge, Cadillac claims the Optiq can add 94km in roughly 10 minutes, while the Vistiq can add 104km in around the same time. Cadillac’s new EVs feature a standout 33-inch display, which spans across much of the dashboard and both have lavish sound systems, with 19 speakers in the Optiq and 23 in the Vistiq. Elsewhere, the luxury SUVs have heated, ventilated and messaging seats, which are electrically operated with memory function, among other high-end luxury add-ons. Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq engine and efficiency 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq standard features 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq safetyThe Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq have not been crash tested in Australia yet. Standard safety features 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq dimensions 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq warrantyEvery Cadillac comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, as well as an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty. 

China’s BYD has revealed details of the forthcoming Seal 07 EV sedan ahead of its imminent launch in the domestic market.The 2026 BYD Seal 07 EV is a fully electric counterpart to the Seal 07 DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan which is already offered in China.Slotting above the Seal and Seal 06 EV, the Seal 07 EV measures in at 4995mm long, 1910mm wide and 1495mm tall, with a 2900mm wheelbase. This makes it a fraction larger than a Toyota Camry.Power comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 240kW and is fed by a 69.07kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery.BYD claims the Seal 07 EV can travel up to 705km on a single battery charge, according to lenient CLTC testing. It also has a CLTC claimed energy consumption of 10.8kWh/100km.For context, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD offers up to 750km of electric range and a claimed energy consumption of 12.5kWh/100km, both according to more stringent NEDC testing.In terms of design, the Seal 07 EV shares many of its highlights with the Seal 07 DM-i. These include a closed-off front fascia with narrow headlights, a full-width rear light bar, flush door handles, a panoramic glass sunroof, plus a roofline that plunges down at the rear.Inside there is a digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charger, dual cupholders and a row of physical buttons for key vehicle controls.At this stage it’s unclear whether the Seal 07 EV will ever come to Australia. BYD already offers the smaller Seal electric sedan which is more of a rival to the Tesla Model 3.However, BYD has previously been spied testing the Seal 06 DM-i sedan, as well as Seal 06 DM-i Touring wagon in Australia.Both of these are notably plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and were approved for local sale by the government regulator in January 2026. This approval usually happens only a few months before a vehicle goes on sale.BYD currently doesn’t offer any plug-in hybrid sedans or hatchbacks in Australia. It only sells the Sealion 5, Sealion 6 and Sealion 8 PHEV SUVs, as well as the popular Shark 6 PHEV dual-cab ute.